Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

Itinerary

Open each day to see the route notes, overnight rhythm, altitude cues, and the small details that help you understand how the journey actually flows.

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Kathmandu

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   Route notes

   Welcome to Nepal! A representative from our team will be waiting to greet you just outside the luggage area at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. From there, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle (car, jeep, or minivan—depending on the size of your group). Once you've checked in, feel free to relax and unwind after your journey. If you arrive before noon, we’ll have a short meeting at the hotel to go over your trek, check your gear, and introduce you to your guide. If your flight gets in later in the day or evening, no worries—we’ll do the briefing the next day before leaving Kathmandu for Chame. The rest of your day is free to enjoy at your own pace. You'll be staying overnight at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.

2. Day 2

   Drive to Chame (2,670m/8759ft), (66 km), (5h)

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   Route notes

   Today’s journey from Kathmandu to Chame cuts down 2–3 days of trekking and takes around 12 hours by private jeep, covering roughly 242 kilometers. After an early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll hit the road and begin your adventure. The first stretch of the drive (about 135 km) follows the Prithvi Highway, a scenic route that winds alongside the Trisuli River—perfect for soaking in some beautiful views. At Dumre, the road veers northwest onto the Bhanubhakta Acharya Highway, which connects Dumre to Chame, passing through the districts of Tanahu, Lamjung, and eventually reaching Manang. Up to Besisahar, the road is mostly blacktopped, but beyond that, it turns into a more rugged, off-road experience—bumpy, but full of adventure and charm. Along the way, you’ll notice dramatic shifts in the landscape, vegetation, and even the architecture of local homes as you climb higher into the mountains. There will be plenty of chances to stop for lunch or short breaks as needed. Once you arrive in Chame, you’ll check into a local lodge and have the rest of the evening to rest and recharge after the long drive. Overnight in a lodge in Chame. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. Day 3

   Trek to Pisang (3,200m/10,498ft), (15km), (5-6h)

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   Route notes

   After breakfast at the lodge in Chame, you’ll hit the trail once again. Today’s trek is about 15 kilometers and should take around 5 to 6 hours, with a gentle gain in altitude—just over 500 meters—so it’s a relatively moderate day. The trail begins with a scenic walk through lush pine forests and green fields. About an hour and twenty minutes in, you’ll reach Bhratang, a lovely little spot known for its apple orchards and cozy café. It’s a great place to pause and enjoy some fresh apple juice or other tasty apple treats. From Bhratang, the trail continues along a dramatic cliffside path, with incredible views of the river, mountains, and cascading waterfalls along the way. You’ll eventually cross a suspension bridge and start a steeper climb through forested terrain. As you approach Dhikur Pokhari, the trail evens out, and the views open up—offering breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks all around. Just past Dhikur Pokhari, the path splits: one trail leads to Upper Pisang, the other to Lower Pisang. You’ll take the Lower Pisang route, descending gently into the valley. Along the way, enjoy the peaceful scenery—tranquil lakes, grassy meadows, and snow-dusted hills hugging the winding Marsyangdi River. After about a 45-minute descent, you’ll arrive in Lower Pisang, where you’ll check into your lodge and rest up. Afternoon Acclimatization Walk to Upper Pisang (+100m elevation gain) In the afternoon, you’ll head out for a short acclimatization hike across the river to Upper Pisang, which sits about 100 meters higher than Lower Pisang. This traditional mountain village is a charming maze of stone houses with flat rooftops and narrow lanes that tell stories of the high Himalayas. You’ll hike up to the local monastery, perched on a hilltop, offering stunning panoramic views of the valley below and towering peaks above. Take some time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular scenery before heading back down to Lower Pisang for the night. Overnight at a lodge in Lower Pisang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

4. Day 4

   Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru (3,660m/12,007ft), (10km), (5h)

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   Route notes

   After a hearty breakfast at your lodge in Lower Pisang, you’ll lace up your boots and head back onto the trail—today’s destination is the beautiful village of Ngawal, located about 10 kilometers to the northwest of Pisang. The first part of the trek takes you to Ghyaru, a picturesque village about 5 kilometers away, which takes roughly 2 hours to reach. The walk begins with a gentle section as you cross the river and follow the trail past a Mani Wall, made of stone slabs etched with sacred Tibetan mantras. After that, get ready for a challenge—the trail steeply zigzags uphill to Ghyaru. It’s a tough climb, but the rewards are more than worth it. As you ascend, the scenery becomes more and more breathtaking. You’ll get your first full view of Annapurna II, along with sweeping vistas of the valley below and forests that stretch into the distance. When you reach Ghyaru, take some time to rest and take in the panoramic mountain views—it’s truly one of the most scenic spots along the trek. From Ghyaru, the trail continues for another 5 kilometers to Ngawal, gradually ascending to a small pass—the highest point of the day. From here, enjoy a stunning perspective of Annapurna II, surrounding snow-capped peaks, and the wide-open valley below. The final stretch is a gentle downhill walk that leads you into the quiet, charming village of Ngawal. Once you arrive, check into your lodge and relax. If you’re still feeling energetic, take a walk through the village in the evening. Ngawal is full of traditional homes and peaceful corners to explore. Overnight in a lodge in Ngawal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

5. Day 5

   Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft),(11km),(5h)

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   Route notes

   Entering the drier Manang region. After breakfast in Ngawal, you’ll begin your trek into the drier, high-altitude region of the Manang District. Today's hike is around 11 kilometers and takes about 5 hours, with a more relaxed pace compared to the previous day’s climb. There are two trails that lead to Manang from Ngawal, and you'll be taking the longer but more scenic and adventurous one. This route descends gradually through a quarry and forested area, offering a refreshing contrast to the arid landscape ahead. You’ll eventually arrive at the charming village of Braga (Bragha), where a visit to the ancient Braga Monastery is highly recommended—it's one of the oldest and most picturesque in the region. If you're planning to hike to Ice Lake for acclimatization the following day, Braga can also be a great place to spend the night. But if you're continuing on, the trail to Manang is an easy walk along a dusty road that follows the Marsyangdi River, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks all the way. As you approach Manang, you’ll be welcomed by a large, traditional Tibetan-style village dotted with chortens (stupas), mani walls, and colorful monasteries—an unmistakable sign that you've reached your destination. Once in Manang, check into your lodge and spend the rest of the day as you please. You can take it easy and relax at the lodge, explore the village, or settle into one of the cozy local cafés that serve freshly brewed coffee and delicious baked goods—a nice treat at this altitude. Overnight at a lodge in Manang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

6. Day 6

   Acclimatization day- Manang

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   Route notes

   Spending a day in Manang for acclimatization is essential before you continue to higher altitudes. Not only is Manang already situated at over 3,500 meters, but over the next three days, you’ll be gaining nearly 2,000 meters—a significant jump that can increase the risk of altitude sickness. What makes Manang an ideal spot to acclimatize is the variety of side hikes available. These hikes help your body adjust by exposing you to higher elevations during the day, then allowing you to return to a lower altitude to sleep—a proven method to help prevent altitude sickness. Depending on how you're feeling and your preferences, you can choose between a half-day or full-day hike: Half-day hikes include options like the Gangapurna Lake viewpoint, the 100 Lama Monastery lookout, or the monastery above Braga Village—all offering beautiful views and cultural insights without being too strenuous. If you're up for a challenge, a full-day hike to Ice Lake is a fantastic option. It’s more demanding but incredibly rewarding, both in terms of scenery and acclimatization value. Your guide will help you choose the best option based on your energy level and interest. After your hike, you’ll return to your lodge in Manang, where you can relax, refuel, and enjoy the rest of the evening.Overnight at a lodge in Manang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

7. Day 7

   Trek to Shri Kharka (4080m/13,386ft), (8km), (4h)

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   Route notes

   Today’s trek is one of the more relaxed ones on your journey — you’ll be walking about 8 kilometers, heading west from Manang to the small settlement of Shri Kharka. It typically takes around four hours, so there’s no need to rush. You’ll start the day with breakfast in Manang before hitting the trail. As you leave the charming cobbled streets of Manang behind, you’ll pass a small stream and come to a fork in the trail. Here, clear signs will point the way toward Tilicho Lake — that’s your route for the day. The trail climbs gently through the valley, following alongside the Khangsar River, which eventually joins the Marsyangdi. As you gradually gain elevation, the scenery opens up beautifully. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges towering above Manang’s dry, rugged hills. If you glance back, you might catch a view of the turquoise waters of Gangapurna Lake shimmering in the distance. After about an hour and a half to two hours, you’ll reach the village of Khangsar — a great spot to take a short rest. From there, it’s another two hours or so of steady walking to Shree Kharka. Once you arrive, you’ll check into a cozy lodge, enjoy some lunch, and have the afternoon free to relax and soak in the breathtaking mountain views. Tonight, you’ll settle in for a peaceful night’s sleep at Shree Kharka. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

8. Day 8

   Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m/13,615ft), (6km), (4h)

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   Route notes

   Today’s hike may be short — just around 6 kilometers — but don’t be fooled by the distance. This stretch to Tilicho Base Camp is one of the more challenging parts of the journey and will take most hikers about 4 hours to complete. A good portion of the trail winds through a landslide-prone area, so extra caution is key. The path narrows, with loose gravel underfoot and the occasional trickle of sliding rocks or sand. It’s important to move slowly, stay alert, and take your time through this section — safety first. Once you’ve carefully made your way past the landslide zone, the trail evens out and becomes far more enjoyable. The terrain opens up, and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the stark, dramatic landscape and snow-capped peaks all around you. When you arrive at Tilicho Base Camp, you’ll settle into your lodge, enjoy a well-earned lunch, and take the rest of the day to relax and recharge. You’ll spend the night here, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the high Himalayas. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

9. Day 9

   Trek to Tilicho Lake (4,920m/16,141ft), (10km),(4-5) and back to Sri Kharka (4080m/13,386ft), (6km), (3-4h)

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   Route notes

   Tilicho Lake: A Journey to the High Himalayas Today’s journey takes you to a true gem of the Himalayas — Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. It’s a big day, so you’ll start early, setting off from Tilicho Base Camp around 4:00 AM with headlamps lighting the way. The climb to the lake takes about 4 to 5 hours, following a steady uphill trail through stark, high-altitude terrain. As you ascend, the first light of dawn begins to reveal the breathtaking landscape around you. And then, finally, you’ll arrive at the lake — a surreal sight of glassy blue water cradled by towering snow-capped peaks. It’s the kind of view that stays with you forever. Take your time up there. Sit by the lake, take photos, breathe it all in. This is a moment to remember. After soaking in the beauty, you’ll begin the descent back to base camp, where a well-earned breakfast will be waiting. Following a short rest, you’ll continue your journey, retracing your steps down the familiar trail back to Shree Kharka. All in, you’ll cover about 16 kilometers today, and the whole adventure will take around 8 hours. Once you arrive at Shree Kharka, you’ll check into your lodge for a cozy night’s rest — tired but full of memories from one of the most spectacular days of the trek. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

10. Day 10

    Trek to Ledar (4,200m/13,779ft),(11km),(7h)

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    Route notes

    Back on the Main Trail Today, you’ll leave Shree Kharka behind and rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit as you make your way to Letdar. It’s a full day of trekking — around 11 kilometers that will take about 7 hours — but the landscapes and mountain views along the way make every step worthwhile. The day begins on a peaceful note, following a well-marked trail that winds through pine forests, low shrubs, and seasonal wildflowers. The path leads gently to the quiet village of Old Khangsar, where you can pause for a moment and enjoy the stillness of this high-altitude settlement. From here, the trail begins to climb, skirting the mountainside as you ascend toward a scenic lookout adorned with cairns and fluttering prayer flags. It’s a great spot to catch your breath, take in the views, and snap a few photos. Next comes a steep descent along switchbacks shaded by scattered trees, which eventually brings you to a suspension bridge spanning the Thorung River. After crossing, you’ll begin climbing again, this time through a rocky, more exposed section of trail that opens into a wide meadow dotted with hardy shrubs. A final uphill push brings you back to the main Annapurna Circuit. From here, the trail levels out a bit, and you’ll enjoy a more relaxed walk to Yak Kharka. After a short break in Yak Kharka, it’s about another hour to Letdar. The last stretch takes you through a broad, open valley scattered with boulders and quiet grazing areas. After crossing a small suspension bridge, you’ll reach Letdar — your stop for the night. Once you arrive, you’ll check into a lodge, have dinner, and rest up after a long but beautiful day on the trail. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

11. Day 11

    Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,525m/14845ft),(5km),(2-3h) or High Camp(4,925m/16,158ft),(6km),(3-4h)

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    Route notes

    A Short but High-Altitude Day Today is the shortest trekking day on the Annapurna Circuit, but don’t let that fool you—this is also the highest sleeping point of your entire journey and your last night in the Manang District. With oxygen levels dropping to around 55% at this altitude, it's normal to feel short of breath, have a faster resting heart rate, or feel tired even without much exertion. Listen to your body and take it slow. After breakfast in Ledar, you’ll set off along a narrow trail that follows the river. A short descent will bring you to a suspension bridge, which you’ll cross before climbing steeply to a small teahouse—a great place for a brief rest and tea break. From here, the trail leads into a landslide-prone area. This section requires extra caution—walk carefully and always follow your guide’s instructions. After crossing this tricky section, you’ll arrive at Thorung Phedi, about 5 km from Ledar. The hike usually takes 2 to 3 hours, with a moderate elevation gain of around 325 meters. Once at Thorung Phedi, you’ll have a choice: If you want to make the next day’s climb over the Thorung La Pass easier, you can choose to hike an additional 1 km up to High Camp. This involves a steep, switchback trail on loose rock, gaining about 725 meters in altitude and taking around 1 to 1.5 hours. However, for a better night’s sleep and easier acclimatization, many trekkers prefer to stay at Thorung Phedi and tackle the pass early the next morning. Whichever option you choose, make sure to rest well and stay warm. It's best to call it an early night in preparation for the big day ahead. Overnight in a lodge at Thorung Phedi or High Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

12. Day 12

    Trek to Muktinath (3,760m/12,335ft),(15km) (9-10h) via Thorung La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft)

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    Route notes

    Another Big Day Today is one of the most important and challenging days of your trek, as you’ll cross Thorung La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit at 5,416 meters. This high mountain pass is one of the highest navigable passes in the world, and crossing it is both a physical and emotional highlight of the journey. You’ll also officially leave Manang District and enter the Mustang region. In total, you’ll cover about 15 kilometers, which takes around 9 to 10 hours, depending on your pace and weather conditions. Expect an elevation gain of around 900 meters and a descent of approximately 1,650 meters by the end of the day. Early Start for the Big Climb Your starting time will depend on where you slept the previous night: If you stay at Thorung Phedi, you’ll start around 4:00 AM. If you overnighted at High Camp, you can start a bit later, around 5:00 AM. Starting early is crucial to reach the pass by 10:00 AM, before the strong afternoon winds typically pick up. With a packed breakfast in your bag, you'll begin the steep ascent. The trail is narrow and steady, and most trekkers move in single file. Though the distance to the pass from High Camp is only about 4 kilometers, it can take around 4 hours due to the high altitude and steep climb. Once you reach Thorung La Pass, take time to catch your breath, enjoy the incredible panoramic views, and snap some photos by the famous pass sign. You’ll also have breakfast here before beginning your descent. Descent to Muktinath (3,760m) The descent toward Muktinath is roughly 11 kilometers. The trail starts off gently, becomes steeper midway, and then eases again as you near the village. The terrain is mostly mud and loose gravel, so take care with your footing. The views during this stretch are nothing short of spectacular, with the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri accompanying you for much of the walk. After about 5 hours of descent, you’ll reach the sacred village of Muktinath, where you’ll check into a lodge, enjoy a well-earned meal, and get some rest. If you're feeling up to it in the evening, you can visit the revered Muktinath Temple, a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists, along with the nearby monastery. Overnight in a lodge in Muktinath. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

13. Day 13

    Driver to Pokhara (7h)

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    Route notes

    After breakfast in Muktinath, your journey to Pokhara begins. A private jeep will be arranged for the roughly 7-hour drive, offering a blend of scenic landscapes and varying road conditions. The road from Muktinath to Jomsom is mostly smooth and blacktopped, making for a comfortable start. From Jomsom to Beni, the road turns rough and off-road, adding a touch of adventure to the drive. Once you reach Beni, the road improves again, and the remaining stretch to Pokhara is mostly well-paved, with just a few uneven sections. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll be dropped off at the hotel reserved for you. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can simply relax at the hotel or head out to explore the beautiful Lakeside area. A boat ride on Phewa Lake or a peaceful stroll along the shore are perfect ways to unwind after the drive.Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. Optional Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara If you prefer to skip the long drive and save time, we can also arrange a domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (additional charges apply). Since all flights from Jomsom operate early in the morning, usually before 9:00 AM, you’ll need to stay overnight in Jomsom the day before. On flight day, your guide will accompany you to the airport from your lodge and assist with the boarding process. Once you land in Pokhara, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

14. Day 14

    Drive to Kathmandu (6-7h)

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    Route notes

    Travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll begin your journey back to Kathmandu in a private vehicle (car, jeep, or minivan—depending on your group size). The drive follows the scenic Prithvi Highway, winding alongside rivers and hills. Along the way, you’re welcome to stop for lunch and take short breaks as needed. If road conditions are favorable and traffic is light, the drive typically takes around 6 to 7 hours. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel for check-in and a chance to relax. In the evening, one of our team members will meet you for a farewell dinner, where you can share your experiences and provide feedback on your journey.Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Prefer to skip the road trip? If you'd like to save time or avoid the long drive, we can also arrange a short domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu for an additional charge—just let us know your preference! Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

15. Day 15

    Departure dayÂ

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    Route notes

    After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport in a private vehicle at a time that aligns with your flight schedule. Your driver will ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in and catch your onward flight. Meals: Breakfast